While I love engagement shoots – what I love even more are proposal photo sessions! Can you imagine how difficult it would be to be a photographer and wait for the right moment to start photographing the proposal going down? And the emotions are always so evident. They always make for great photographs of an event you might be too worked up to even remember!

Joan of Joan Fuller Photography shared these photos with LVW of a recent proposal she photographed in a suite at Cosmopolitan. The couple, Joe and Valerie, were staying there, and Joe had asked a concierge to set up a photographer to capture him popping the question to Valerie, so they contacted Joan. I love what happened next – it’s best from Joan, so I’ll let her tell it.

Joe, the groom, had a plan that I would hide in the bathroom while he and Valerie were at lunch, and jump out at the precise moment that he was about to pop the question.

I worked with the concierge to make a game plan, but didn’t anticipate on how difficult it would be to actually get in their room before they did. The front desk allowed me in with an escort, who stayed with me until the couple arrived. After going through the security check, we had very little time to get to the room before Joe and Valerie arrived. My heart was racing as Joe texted me that they were on their way, but we were still in the elevator! I had visions of them catching us just as we were unlocking the door.

The champagne and chocolate covered strawberries that were laid out on the table assured me that we were in the right room, so we rushed into the hall bathroom and waited. I found myself holding my breath so I didn’t make too much noise. Minutes later I heard the door open and they walked in. They were speaking Spanish, so I had to just guess when the right moment was to come out of the bathroom. I just hoped I didn’t scare Valerie to death!

When I popped out, I started shooting right away, and Joe sprang into action with the proposal. It was a big success! Valerie was completely surprised and very emotional. I was so happy for them, I had difficulty not crying as well.

After the happy ending the bride-to-be changed outfits and the trio went on a little photography adventure around Cosmopolitan and CityCenter. I love a good surprise!

Congratulations to the happy couple, and congratulations to Joan for capturing such a stress-filled proposal. Amazing!